Mercedes Gelendvagen has been produced for 36 years and therefore is rightfully considered a German veteran. But it never occurs to anyone to betray him into oblivion, since the demand for him is stable. And he was conceived as a carrier of soldiers. He survived the allegations of primitiveness, and now his design is called classic.
From the beginnings to the present
The official date of his birth is February 10, 1979. Then it was launched into production, then it was first introduced to the general public. But the history of the car began long before this day, in 1972. Two companies - the German Daimler-Benz and the Austrian Steyr-Daimler-Puch - agreed on the joint production of 10 thousand SUVs per year. The car was designed as an army, so the body had a simplified shape, flat panels, and the open model was with a hinged windshield. Modern "Gelendvagen", the tuning of which is a distinctive feature, is not much like an ancestor. The well-known radiator grill with round headlights appeared only in 1976.
The manufacturer received the first large order for 20 thousand automobiles from the Iranian army, and in 1978 the Gelendewagen car was ready, which means “cross country vehicle”. But the new Iranian government canceled the order. The situation was corrected thanks to the border guards of Germany, the armies of Norway and Argentina. And the pavilions of the plant, which were supposed to fulfill the Iranian order, began to work. The first products received positive reviews from journalists.
Technical Features and Upgrades
The designers were faced with a daunting task: the car should be trouble-free and tough in any geographical conditions, while remaining comfortable and safe. And although it was very difficult to satisfy these requests, the designers coped. From then until now, the appearance and equipment, tuning of the Mercedes Gelendvagen are changing with enviable regularity.
In Russia, as in many other countries, the German auto industry itself, the longevity of the Mercedes, and its practically unchanged appearance cause admiration. In fact, the car is periodically upgraded. Only since its first appearance in our country, “Gelendvagen”, the photo of which we presented in the article, was called both a “cube” and a “refrigerator”, and it really has a rectangular outline. But, according to the owners, they are attracted to this particular external image as the most appropriate SUV.
Over the 35-year life of the car, the body has undergone minor changes. The most serious innovations are a rigid roof after a folding soft top and an elongated base. Changes had to be made in connection with the transition of cars from the category of military police to civilian. Periodically upgraded and optics. In 1981, a model was released in which the headlights were protected by a grill.
Car owners call the car interior royal, especially when it comes to expensive equipment. They have a high quality finish. If the cabin has plastic, then these are its best options. Motorists find it convenient that the steering wheel rises after opening the door and turning off the ignition - this makes it easier for the driver to land. The factory music system, which produces clear, musical sound, received good reviews.
Car disadvantages
Perhaps, only Gelendvagen soundproofing can be said in a negative way. Although it was performed qualitatively, as befits, but at a speed of over 100 km / h, the body shape and low aerodynamic qualities nullify all the efforts of the German automaker. However, even the basic equipment of the car includes upscale seat upholstery, airbags, air conditioning, ABS and full power accessories.
Advantages of the Gelendvagen brand, tuning and other "tricks"
The main advantage of the Mercedes Gelendvagen is hidden under the hood. The engines in this car are implied in a volume of 2.7 to 5.5 liters. The power and volume of the engine seriously affects fuel consumption: a 5-liter engine “eats” 22 liters of gasoline in the city and 15 liters on a suburban highway. Apparently, in accordance with the number of “horses”, the accelerator pedal is made tighter so that it is not easy to lose control over the control of the machine, but in general the movement of the Gelendvagen is quite soft and smooth, without any jerking. But if necessary, he can make a sharp leap forward, literally turning into a shell. The sound of all types of engines is relatively quiet, causing only pleasant associations and intentions to acquire this car.
Those who gained experience in controlling this machine note the following nuances: the most comfortable is a speed of 100-110 km / h. A further increase in speed will result in the appearance of noise arising from air currents. Of course, movement with greater speed is possible, but you must enter the turns very carefully. Fans of "Gelendvagen" note a rather stiff suspension, irregularities and pits cause the car to tremble, but blows to the body are not transmitted. The brakes of the car deserve praise. With a mass of almost 2.5 tons, it stops in almost an instant and smoothly with the corresponding depressed brake pedal.
As for its off-road qualities, it is unlikely that the owner will want to use it in the field, if we are talking about a new model. Although the "gelika" does not scare either with dirt, or snow, or the lack of road surface. He has the potential, but he is still not intended for this. "Gelendvagen", the tuning of which can be varied - a car for lovers of power and extravagance.
In conclusion, I would like to once again emphasize the reliability and status of the Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen. This is a car that always attracts attention. Somewhat confused, maybe the cost of its maintenance. Only tire replacement will cost $ 300. But after all, its value is by no means democratic. Gelendvagen, the tuning of which requires considerable investments, will cost almost 14 million rubles!